Derek Chisora faces Kubrat Pulev this Saturday night (May 7) in Hamburg Germany, with the European title on the line and a shot at the IBF world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in his sights.
The winner will take a step towards Joshua who claimed the world title belt, knocking out Charles Martin last month. – At the moment rising New Zealand heavyweight contender Joseph Parker is preparing to face Carlos Takam for the No1 mandatory position to challenge for the IBF belt, with the winner of Chisora-Pulev next in line for a shot.
Chisora (25-5-KO17) currently on a five fight winning streak since his loss to Tyson Fury has already had a shot at the world title when he failed to dethrone Vitali Klitschko in 2012. Pulev (22-1-KO12) also lost in his only world title shot against Wladimir Klitschko in 2014. But both are confident going into this one and expect to win.
“Pulev has been on my radar for a while now,” said Chisora.
”He’s a great athlete and he has my respect, but come fight night, I’m not messing around. I’m coming to mess this guy up. I’m going to outwork him and out strength him. I’ll be all over him from the first bell.
”I’m excited for the opportunity. This is a chance for me to prove myself against one of the top fighters in the division and get back into a position to challenge for the world title. I’m in great shape. I’m training harder than ever and I’m ready to go. This is going to be one of my best fights ever!” added Del Boy.
VIDEO: Things get heated at the Pulev-Chisora pre fight Press conference!
As fight night approaches, both boxers met face to face at the press conference in Germany today and Chisora took things up a level and adding a bit of controversy into the mix into the build up to the fight, when he grabbed Pulev’s head and pulled it down as they went head-to-head in the customary pre-fight stare down.
“I’m not messing around, No more Mr. Nice Guy, I’m here to fight! I’m going to take Pulev to places he’s never been before, and I’m going to make him give up.” insisted a wound up Chisora.
“He’s got nothing I’ve not seen before, and he’s never fought anyone like me. I can tell he’s nervous. He’s out of his depth and he’s going to get knocked out!”
Pulev, seemingly unfazed with the Londoners antics added: “I will cause him great pain on Saturday night. He does not intimidate me. He can talk all he wants now, but this will not help him in the ring.”
The Bulgarian has had two back to back wins since his only career defeat to Klitschko and insists he will put an end to the talk and plans for a potential for an all-British clash between Chisora and Joshua.
”This is a very important fight for me,” said Pulev. ”I learnt a lot from the Klitschko fight, but now I’m back and stronger than ever.
”Dereck is a good boxer, but I’m better, and I know I can beat him. I’m looking forward to the challenge and the chance to win back the European title. I’m sure the arena in Hamburg will be full of Bulgarians cheering me to victory. I know I have what it takes to be world champion, and next time I will be successful.”
Good fight, Chisora on form wins by late stoppage.
